Solved Print Spooler Not Working / Crashing / Spoolsv.exe Runtime Error)!!

[LouieP9086]

I recently deleted a Lexmark printer driver that I had previously downloaded (in order to use someone else's printer a while back). Now, I am getting a runtime error related to the Window 7 print spooler which slows down my boot time; and the error interrupts me with windows constantly. I also can't access the "devices and printers" section within windows

I've tried everything I could find, but this "Spoolsv.exe" runtime error keeps appearing. It's severely slowing down performance of my system.

The error that pops up with the title; Interactive Services Detection
Message: "A Program Running on this computer"
When I click "View Message" that's where it tells me that it's a Spoolsv.exe runtime error.


I've tried many things including these suggestions found on forums;

1. Removing the Spoolsv.exe file from the "windows/system32" folder; which I am unable to do due to permissions (it says Trusted Installer only has permission)
-I am also unable to to change the permissions of this file. A user "TrustedInstaller" has full control of it and I can't seem to change this.

2. Deleting the other printer drivers by deleting the files in the "system32/spool/drivers" & "system32/spool/PRINTERS" folders.
-Permission issues also seem to prevent me from deleting everything in the "/spool/drivers" folder.

3. Starting and restarting the "Print Spooler" service within "services.msc"

Please help! I am in desperate need of assistance.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help me.

This is a total nightmare.

 

[LouieP9086]

I was able to get past the the issues with the permissions; and was able to remove the spoolsv.exe file (and restart). I then replaced it again; and restarted. However, this did no resolve the issue.

The only option for me to keep my system running without interruption is to turn off the Print Spooler in services.msc. Otherwise, I keep getting the error from the "Interactive Services Detection" about the spooler failing.

Can anyone help me fix my print spooler?

 

[LouieP9086]

I resolved the issue...

For those who may be having this problem with "Interactive Services Detection" causing errors in your spoolsv.exe:

Note:
The issue for me was caused by me installing a Lexmark printer driver on my laptop (to print on friends printer). When I removed the driver, additional junk printer software was left on my system that the spoolsv.exe depended on.

Resolution:
Below are the steps to how I went about fixing the issue. In a nutshell, I turned off the print spooler, then removed any-and-all print drivers & startup entries from the registry.

1. Go to "Services.msc" (start->search)
2. Select Print Spooler: Set to Manual and Disable.
3. Download the software "Autoruns"
4. Identify any printer drivers and delete the registry keys (especially ones that are labeled "Interactive Services Detection")
5. Go back to "Services.msc" (start->search)
6. Select Print Spooler: Set to Automatic and Enable
7. Re install only the print drivers you need.

Other Notes:
"Interactive Services Detection" seems to be bloatware that Lexmark printer driver software will install on your system. Just deleting the Lexmark drivers doesn't seem to remove the "Interactive Services Detection" which marries itself to the Windows print spooler. The registry keys also need to be removed or your print spooler will keep looking for this ("Interactive Services Detection") Lexmark executable file (and the spooler will time-out and shut down if it's not found)

Hope this helps someone else who it having this problem. it took me several hours to resolve.

Even though I didn't get any help, I'm glad I could contribute to this (well SEO'd) help forum.